Statistics of Foreign Direct Investment in Malaysia, 2017

Malaysia’s FDI recorded net inflows of RM41.0 billion from RM47.0 billion in the previous year

The FDI flows in Malaysia has been on the upward trend since 2001. However, the lower FDI flows in 2009 was largely due to global financial crisis. The FDI flows reached a new high in 2016 with a value of RM47.0 billion, mainly contributed by Asia region in Services sector.

In 2017, FDI flows were mainly channelled in Services sector, particularly in Real estate, Financial and insurance / takaful; and Information and communication activities. Mining & quarrying was the second contributor, followed by Manufacturing sector. The top regions were from Asia with a share of 63.5 per cent, followed by Europe and Africa. Within Asia, Hong Kong remained as the prominent investor country, while China overtook Singapore as the second largest contributor.

As at end of 2017, the expansion of FDI position to RM570.3 billion (2016: RM547.4 billion) was impelled by the continuous inflows of FDI.

The statistics on investment is a vital indication to determine the direction of Malaysia’s economy. It assists in identifying new opportunities and enhancing market access for companies in Malaysia and abroad.